Calmwaters Fly Fishing

Calmwaters offers expert fly fishing experiences for beginners to experts.

It’s all about education. We are always learning, no matter what it is in life we're doing. To find a truly professional teacher is a blessing and somebody you should hold onto. Well, to some, fly fishing is the ultimate school in which to learn—whether those lessons are technical, natural, spiritual, or personal.

This spring, we found a wonderfully talented educator whose teaching can be witnessed across many of the rivers and lakes in southwestern Ontario. His passion for teaching all facets of fly fishing is palpable, and what makes Jeff Parks of Calmwaters Fly Fishing such a great educator. His passion for fly fishing rubs off on all his clients, be they, beginners or seasoned veterans. It’s his passion for all things fly fishing that is addicting.

learn to fish from the best at calmwaters

Jeff Parks and his daughter Alyx are full-time fishing guides running Calmwaters Fly Fishing. They utilize their home rivers in southwestern Ontario and have vast experience with multi-style and multi-species. This trip, we are focused on new experiences. We're on the hunt for wild brown trout as well as rainbows.

calmwaters fly fishing guide

The technique we're utilizing is tight line nymphing. "You want your leader to cut the water like a hot knife through butter." It doesn’t get much more descriptive than that. Though I have very limited experience with this technique for fishing trout, it’s a deadly effective method of fly fishing that relies on your sense of touch and observation. Slowly manipulating your fly rig in relation to high percentage lies where trout are, you tantalizingly tempt fish to eat. It’s almost too easy. With a multitude of nymphs to choose from, Jeff was dialled into the hatches in the area and was able to put the pieces of the puzzle together seamlessly, resulting in one of the best days fishing browns I’ve had in a while. From body position to slack management, Jeff had me fishing well in new water in no time.

hand tied fly

Jeff also takes great pleasure in teaching both single-hand casting as well as two-handed techniques. For those who are interested in learning these very different presentations, Jeff’s patience and excellent communication style are the perfect avenue to present flies in a timely manner. Big rivers such as the Grand, the Maitland and the Saugeen are wonderful rivers to learn spey casting all the while, having fantastic chances at dancing with seasonal fish from smallmouth bass, to musky to the steelhead of the fall and spring.

southwestern ontario river system

Fishing guide Alyx brings a fresh face to the sport. She loves the influx of so many new women fly fishing. Specializing in Women’s Fly Fishing Experiences, her teaching style and communication ability make the sometimes daunting sport easy, fun and relaxed.

calmwaters fly fishing guide

the perfect place to fish, float, and have fun

The team at Calmwaters Fly Fishing takes great pride in being able to teach fly fishing to all, throughout the year. Thinking of a corporate event, they have you covered. Interested in a drift boat float in a fantastic southwestern Ontario river, they have you covered. Want to walk and wade for a day, the pros at Calmwaters Fly Fishing have you covered. There has never been a more perfect time to learn this wonderful sport. 

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

Recommended Articles

An Amazing New Technique for Northern Pike

Learn the latest winter Northern pike pattern to hit the Northern Ontario ice scene.

This Smallmouth Bass Paradise Is No Longer A Secret

The Mississagi Valley has opportunities for personal best trophy-sized brown bass.

Fishing for Ontario Wild Brook Trout At Northern Skies Resort

Targeting wild brook in the local rivers, creeks and streams of Algoma Country, Ontario.

True Colours

How important is your lure colour when selecting a bait?

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

Baptiste Bass

Catching 5- to 6-Pound Smallmouth Bass Each Fishing Season

Pike Aplenty

How to select the right spot to catch pike in late fall fishing in Ontario.

Speck-Tacular

The Dotted Love Affair with Ontario's Brook Trout

Inaugural Fish'n Canada Carp Cup

The Inaugural Canadian Carp Cup was held in Long Sault on the St Lawrence River.

Swim Shiner Swim

What Bait to Use in Cold Water Fishing Conditions

Ladies Walleye Weekend

A 3-day Fishing Adventure on the Bay of Quinte

Witch Bay Camp

Secluded Lake of the Woods Fishing for Walleye and Muskie

Fishing Esnagi Lake

Train-in Fishing at Lodge Eighty Eight

Debunking Muskie Myths

Busting Popular Myths About Ontario's Big Toothy Beasts

Fish on a Fly

Pike and Walleye Fishing on Esnagi Lake

Mammoth Magnets

How Water Temperature Affects Pike & Muskie

Incredible Walleye

Drive-to Fishing at Brennan Harbour Resort

Steelhead Fever

Fishing in Northwestern Ontario

Lost Lake Bass Blast

Experience Lost Lake Wilderness Lodge and fish on a remote lake filled with Smallmouth Bass.

Chiblow Lake Smallmouth Adventures

The Extreme Angler visits Algoma Country